This is a simple but very effective method of meditation that helps to develop your powers of concentration. It was taught to me when I was studying taijutsu as a young man, and I have kept with it ever since I learned it.

All forms of meditation are methods of developing concentration, and not necessarily about invoking “blissful” states. The focus of your concentration may be on the breath, a mantra or on a visualization, but it’s all really the same thing which is to develop your concentration.

For the counting meditation, sit in lotus or half lotus position, depending on your level of flexibility, and get comfortable. Start breathing abdominally and relax your body and mind.

Once you have relaxed and you have a rhythm to your breath, start to count each of your breaths up to the number nine. When you reach nine, start back over at one and keep going.

If you lose track of what number you were on or if you skip a number, then start back over at one. You may be surprised as to how many times you can get to nine without being distracted and losing count.

It’ll probably be tedious and frustrating at first, as it was for me, but if you keep up with it you will see the results of your perseverance. Breathe in, breathe out, and count.